Walnut Blasting, Best Engine Carbon Cleaning Method? How Much is it in Malaysia?

Is your car losing power, having trouble accelerating, engine misfiring, or having higher fuel consumption than before? If you are experiencing any of these problems, chances are your engine is clogged up with carbon deposits and could use a deep cleaning. Fortunately, there is an effective way to do so without harming your engine and that is the walnut blasting. Good news for all us, it is already available in many automotive repair shops in Malaysia.

What is Walnut Blasting?

Walnut blasting is a type of engine deep cleaning process that treats carbon build-up in the engine by blasting finely crushed walnut shells with pressurized air into the engine intake port. The stubborn carbon deposits, dirt, and other contaminants that accumulate over time will be thoroughly removed by the shells at high speed without damaging the intake valves and port. At the same time, a vacuum is inserted alongside the blaster to remove the greasy granulates. This non-abrasive yet highly efficient process is gaining popularity as a superior alternative to traditional cleaning methods

Why is Walnut Blasting necessary?

It is necessary if you own a car with a direct injection engine such as a Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or even the recent Proton Models (X50, X70, and X90). The direct injection engine can be found in many modern cars these days due to its ability to increase performance, improve fuel economy, and reduce emissions. 

However, the downside of it is carbon deposits will be produced from the combustion process of gasoline. Over time, carbon deposits will accumulate into black soot that hardens around the intake valves. This build-up can cause restrictions in the engine which results in:

• Loss of power, poor acceleration

• Higher fuel consumption

• Rough idling

• Overheating

• Engine misfire

• Knocking sounds

• Ignites the check engine light codes.

Why use Walnut Shells?

The walnut shells are a good medium, their hardness is strong enough to dislodge stubborn carbon deposits but soft enough to not impact or damage the surface of the valves, the cylinder head, or any other engine components. This balance is what makes walnut blasting an ideal choice for precision engine decarbonizing in the automotive world. Plus, they’re natural, biodegradable, and economical. 

What are the Walnut Blasting Benefits?

There are several benefits of walnut blasting decarbonizer for the engine as carbon itself is hard when it forms, and it requires more effort to clean it from the intake valves. Therefore, walnut blasting helps to save you from the costly and labor-intensive engine stripping and manual cleaning. Regular engine cleaning not only prevents wear and tear but also it’ll extends the engine’s lifespan, resulting in long-term savings by avoiding major repairs.

On top of that, users should be able to experience the following benefits after performing walnut blasting:

• Better throttle response

• Smooth idle engine

• Improved fuel economy

• Increased horsepower

How Frequently Should I Perform Walnut Blasting for My Car?

It depends on several factors such as the car’s make and model, driving habits, the quality of gas used, and maintenance history. Some dealers recommend walnut blasting for every 45,000km as a preventive measure. If you experience any of the signs of carbon build-up as mentioned above, it is best to seek professional assistance in performing an inspection of your car engine and perform a walnut blast if required.

What is the Walnut Blasting Price in Malaysia?

The price of walnut blasting service in Malaysia ranges from RM400 to RM600 as quoted by most automotive repair shops. On the other hand, the price may vary depending on the car brands’ respective service centers. For example, Volkswagen Malaysia added Walnut Blasting as their new aftersales service back in August 2019 and charges from RM580 up to RM2000 depending on the car model and engine type.